1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-020

Description

Twentieth in the Wexler-documented obverse doubled die census for the 1962 Jefferson nickel, WDDO-020 is classified as Class V (Pivoted Hub Doubling), displaying a clockwise spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, and the date — a comprehensive displacement pattern consistent with the hub rotating around a fixed pivot point during the secondary impression. The Class V mechanism produces a distinctive radial pattern where design elements farther from the pivot show greater displacement than those near it. Die markers on the obverse include a short vertical die gouge on the bottom edge of Jefferson's collar, while the reverse carries a die gouge under the E of UNITED — both providing secondary diagnostics for confirming the correct working die. Felix Schlag's Jefferson portrait, in production since 1938, positions the affected inscriptions and design elements around the upper and lower periphery of the obverse, where the rotational displacement from Class V doubling creates visible spread across multiple inscription zones simultaneously. Philadelphia struck approximately 97.38 million nickels in 1962, a moderate production run. The clockwise designation means the secondary hub impression rotated to the right relative to the primary, and the affected elements — IN GOD WE TRUST (upper obverse), LIBERTY (left periphery), the star (lower left), and the date (lower right) — span enough of the obverse circumference to establish the rotational character of the spread. Collectors should first identify the vertical die gouge on the collar bottom to confirm the correct die, then examine the affected inscriptions under 15-20x magnification for the characteristic clockwise displacement that intensifies with distance from the pivot point.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Short, vertical die gouge on bottom edge of collar.
• Reverse: Die gouge under E of UNITED.

External References